Immortal of the Ages

Moreover, this time, the colorful celestial formation was clearly on a grander scale than when the Divine Imperial Son had arrived—by at least tenfold!

BOOM! As the celestial formation coalesced, several figures faintly appeared, converging at the heart of the formation.

"The strength of those arriving surpasses even the Divine Imperial Son."

The confrontation escalated!

Yun Xiao's gaze intensified as he watched those supreme figures, quickly making a decision. "We're leaving."

"Leave?" Divine Dawn paused, "And what about me?"

"You go on your own, as if I never existed," Yun Xiao said.

"Are you that afraid of another attempting to steal your wife..." Divine Dawn bit her red lip, her expression peculiar.

"It's just avoiding unnecessary complications." Yun Xiao squeezed her jade hand gently, softly adding, "Don't worry, I can support you more effectively from the shadows. Should any problem arise, I'll rescue you immediately."

"Enough, no need for rescue; I can handle it," Divine Dawn stated, her emotions ambiguous.

With time pressing, Yun Xiao spoke no more. After leaving her alone, he directed Cao Shuo and the others to leave the Heavenly Palace, while he, along with the War Princess and the Devil Eye, retreated to a distant location, the Devil Eye observing the situation from afar.

"If you do this, and the newcomers seize the Chaos Soul, they might just take her away," the War Princess poked Yun Xiao in the ribs, her expression odd.

"I hope she leaves, to pursue her future, not to throw her life away," Yun Xiao said earnestly.

"And what if she ascends beyond your reach?" teased the War Princess.

"I have a Flying Sword; no matter how high, I can shoot it down," Yun Xiao casually replied.

At this, the War Princess' cheeks reddened, and she muttered, "Shameless..."

Just then, the colorful teleportation formation before the Taiwei Imperial Palace fully formed, with nine figures shockingly arriving. Even from a distance, Yun Xiao could feel the terrifying brilliance emanating from them.

"Definitely stronger than the Divine Imperial Son!" Yun Xiao frowned.

Facing such formidable outsiders, of course he would send them to confront Lu Fan! Taking them on directly would be pure folly.

"Aren't you afraid she might be in danger?" the War Princess asked.

"I trust in her abilities," Yun Xiao replied, glancing at the War Princess. "It's your laziness and weak mental fortitude that worries me."

"That's because you spoil me, whose fault is that?" the War Princess huffed.

That left Yun Xiao without a comeback. However, his bold move to push Divine Dawn forward was not only because of her courage and meticulous capabilities, but Yun Xiao had also taken precautions.

He left Blue Star and Red Moon near her. How else could he bear to let his beloved venture alone?

From this distant vantage, the nine figures were barely more than specks, barely visible.

And their voices were utterly lost to the distance.

"They've arrived; the Seventh Princess has gone to meet them," the Devil Eye whispered from his side.

"How do you gauge these people?" Yun Xiao asked, his gaze fixed intently in the distance, his heart beating a touch faster.

"Each one has an aura that suggests both age and power surpassing the Divine Imperial Son. And the woman leading them, she seems terrifying," the Devil Eye's voice shook slightly.

"A woman?" Yun Xiao squinted slightly; he dared not use his spiritual senses and relied solely on his eyes.

Indeed, the figure nearest to Divine Dawn was silhouetted in silver, undoubtedly a woman, her aura dazzlingly brilliant, akin to a supreme celestial deity.

Even from afar, Yun Xiao felt the oppressive aura emanating from this woman.

"Could this be the supreme aunt the Divine Imperial Son spoke of? From that place known as the Ancestral Land, surely only the mightiest reside there..."

Was it the ancestral summoning edict that brought this celestial sovereign here, or the death of the Divine Imperial Son?

For now, the interaction between this silver-silhouetted lady and Divine Dawn seemed harmonious; Divine Dawn appeared to be recounting prior events, then accusing Lu Fan of slaying the Divine Imperial Son!

She was like a little rabbit speaking amongst nine golden lions, causing Yun Xiao's heart to pound. Even if he stood in Divine Dawn's place, he doubted he'd feel as tense.

"You really do love her," the War Princess said, her tone tinged with jealousy.

"Quiet!" Yun Xiao snapped.

"Relax. From their expressions, their growing anger isn't aimed at the Seventh Princess," the Devil Eye added, easing Yun Xiao's anxiety.

Then the Devil Eye continued, "The Seventh Princess is indeed a clever and charming woman of the human race, speaking truthfully and movingly, making it hard for them not to believe her."

"You mean to say our Devil race's darling princess is just dumb and brash?" the War Princess huffed.

"Uh..." the Devil Eye quickly flashed an awkward smile, "I meant no such thing. Princess, your charming eyes and delightful naivety are surely most deeply appreciated by Immortal Yun."

"Keep watch," Yun Xiao cut in, urging the Devil Eye to continue his task and ignore the War Princess's idle provocations.

"They've moved!" the Devil Eye suddenly announced.

"Hmm..." Yun Xiao focused his gaze, watching as the nine figures entered the Taiwei Imperial Palace, then seemed to open a pathway leading straight into the depths beneath the Heavenly Palace!

Their oppressive presence faded with their departure.

"Have they gone?" Yun Xiao asked.

"They headed towards the heart of the Celestial Sourcecore," the Devil Eye replied.

"Good!"

Without further ado, Yun Xiao dashed off alone towards Divine Dawn.

The War Princess's eyes sparkled, but she remained where she was.

"Aren't you going?" the Devil Eye asked with a smile.

The War Princess lounged back, saying, "That little white tiger and he are both too headstrong, always needing to lead. They won't stick together for long."

"Great wisdom often plays the fool," the Devil Eye summarized.

"I know he doesn't love me, but that's alright. Without the sparks of passion, the steady company will do." The War Princess' eyes softened.

"Love is not built in a day. There's love at first sight and love that grows over time. With enough sincerity, any match can be made," the Devil Eye reflected.

"Sincerity can't buy love; it still relies on looks and charm." The War Princess chuckled.

"Then you truly understand him." The Devil Eye was left speechless, laughing. After a pause, he added reflectively, "It's good to be ordinary. The masses are all common folks; when commoners lead, they don't stand unreachable in the clouds. They understand the hardships of the world..."

"I like him just as he is, full of desires and courage, quick to anger and to act, a vexingly ordinary troublemaker..." the War Princess smiled faintly, "and by a stroke of luck, I am just as free-spirited!"

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Before the grand Taiwei Imperial Palace, Yun Xiao swept in like a gust of wind, clasping Divine Dawn's slender waist, and together they breezed through 30 miles. His approach had been rapid indeed.

"What are you doing? You nearly knocked the breath out of me," Divine Dawn protested, pushing against his chest in a vain attempt to free herself.

"I was a bit anxious," Yun Xiao confessed softly into her ear, easing his own nerves.

"What's there to be nervous about? It's the same old tricks," she huffed. Yet, her initially reproachful expression softened into a smile, filled with the warmth of being cared for.

"This time it's different. There are nine of them, each with their own mind. If even one suspects deception in the details, the consequences could be dire. And the one leading them... she's rather formidable," Yun Xiao said, his arms still firmly around her.

"It's daunting, like a towering mountain stands before me, so high I can't even reach her heels. I heard the others call her Heavenly Monarch Mu, likely that Divine Imperial Son's aunt," Divine Dawn marveled, momentarily adopting Lian Xi's playful tongue, adding a dash of charm.

"Did she believe you?" Yun Xiao inquired.

"There was no reason not to, my story was logical and clear," she replied.

"And after hearing it, she decided to go down and slay Lu Fan?" he pressed.

"Yes. She's decisive and ruthless... and oddly charismatic," Divine Dawn observed.

"Did she ask about your talents?" Yun Xiao suddenly gazed into her eyes, his question earnest.

"She didn’t, but..." Divine Dawn hesitated, her eyes conflicted.

"But what?"

Under Yun Xiao's direct questioning, she bit her lip and revealed, "In the end, she told me to stay put. After they've dealt with Lu Fan, she wants to take me back to the Ancestral Land and make me her disciple..."

Before, the Divine Imperial Son had merely used his aunt as a lofty promise, but this time, Heavenly Monarch Mu directly shaped Divine Dawn's future with no idle words.

This revelation left Divine Dawn feeling lost, unprepared for the path laid before her.

"Brother, I..."

Just as she was about to confess her indifference toward such grand prospects, Yun Xiao suddenly covered her mouth with his hand, smiling, "It's been a while since you called me that. It sounds nice."

"Heh, I feel a bit twisted." Divine Dawn coldly laughed.

"Uh..." Yun Xiao widened his eyes in mock horror, "Can you keep that Empress act to yourself? We were having a moment, no need for interference."

Divine Dawn's gaze flickered, and soon, the familiar, heartfelt Chen Xi returned.

"Don't speak, listen," Yun Xiao held her face, his words deliberate and serious, "You don't realize how happy I was to hear the word future from you. That’s the real you, a whole person, not just an avatar of someone's will. Moreover, when you have the chance to ascend, to fulfill yourself, I won't be your shackles. My ideal Lil Xi doesn’t need to lean on anyone; your own worth is enough. Pursue it, and you’ll find the greatest meaning in life. The world is vast, and if all goes well, so is the path of cultivation. I'm confident enough to reach your level, don't worry about looking down on me. Worry instead that you might get lazy and find yourself far behind."

Her eyes suddenly welled with tears, and she whimpered, "Are you trying to dump me because I mentioned a spiritual romance, to swap me for someone who fulfills your desires? You've said so much in one go..."

Yun Xiao went pale, gritting his teeth, "Would you believe me if I said I could strip you of your powers right now, leaving you nowhere to go?!"